Concert remembers victims

One year following the Ocean Isle Beach fire that tragically killed seven South Carolinians, members of the USC and Clemson families came together for a concert in Five Points last night to remember, grieve and most importantly, to celebrate the lives of brothers and sisters lost in the fire.

Ellison Neese, the president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said it's good to reflect a year later.

"A year after the tragedy, its time to celebrate how great these people truly were," the third-year biology student said. "If they were here, they'd be here with us celebrating."

University President Harris Pastides said the concert hit just the right note.

"I looked upon the crowd of students tonight and saw deep respect in their eyes," Pastides said. "I know everyone is here for the right reason, and that's to remember the seven students that were lost in the fire."

Through the tragedy, students resiliently made the best of the situation, Neese said.

Last year, more than $34,000 was raised for a scholarship fund to honor the victims, and prior to this year's concert, students raised almost $15,000 by selling remembrance T-shirts. The concert also raised more money for the fund.

"Our students came together better than I could have ever imagined," Neese said.

Keith Griffin, the first recipient of the remembrance scholarship, said the lasting legacy of the members would live on through him and others.

"I am more than humbled to receive this scholarship in their honor," Griffin said.

Trying to shake their sadness, many friends and family members of the lost students shared their best memories.

Lauren Mahon's best friend, Amanda Palacio, joined many of her other friends at the concert to remember the many memories they shared with her.

"She had a broken door on her car one time, and I remember her driving down I-385 holding her door on the car with one hand while driving with another," the second-year international business student said. "We shared so many good times."

Cassidy Pendley's friend Brittany Bowers said Pendley's spirit made playing soccer and taking classes with her always pleasurable.

"She would always have a funny story to tell about her weekend," the second-year civil engineering student said. "She always lightened everyone's mood.

But for the families of the students lost, it was hard to celebrate.

"This is so hard for me," Frank Dielaski, the grandfather of Justin Anderson, said. "He was my best buddy."

Pam Brennan, a Charlotte resident, was a family friend of Travis Cale. Her memories of Cale date back to his early childhood.

"We've known him forever," Brennan said. "He went to all the football games with us. It was a family affair."

Leslie Coones, the president of Delta Delta Delta, said losing three of her sorority sisters in the fire was one of the most trying times of her life.

"Time seemed to stop and we realized what was important," Coones said. "Our motto, 'Let us steadfastly love one another' became something we didn't just say," Coones said. "We live by it."

In a lasting tribute to the students, friends and family members of the students signed tribute books that were given to the families following the concert.

"Celebrate we will," one student wrote quoting a popular lyric from Dave Matthews Band. "For life is short but sweet for certain."

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